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An interesting article in the SMH regarding two former Media Monitors employees and 2GB's Chris Smith. A shocking case of cyber bullying is what it really comes down to.

After monitoring talkback radio for years, Brent Balinski reached breaking point in July. Mucking around at Media Monitors one day he found on the website of 2GB's Chris Smith pictures of the shock jock's little kids in the bath. Balinski hadn't forgotten Smith's role in whipping up the great storm over Bill Henson's pictures of naked children. He thought: "Hypocrisy doesn't do it justice." Read the entire story

United Christian Broadcasters are the new owners of Melbourne frequency 1611am and they will broadcast via their Vision Radio Network of over 330 stations across Australia. [link=http://www.vision.org.au/news.htm]Link[/link]

Seventy years ago, thousands of American radio listeners fled what they feared was an imminent invasion by space aliens; while others armed themselves in defence against the marauding extraterrestrials.

Radio listeners, many of whom flooded police emergency phone lines, apparently had missed a disclaimer at the start of the broadcast making it clear that events unfolding over the airwaves were fictional.

A headline emblazoned across the top of the New York Times the next day told the story: "Radio listeners in panic, taking war drama as fact."

This year marks seven decades since the historic "War of the Worlds" broadcast unleashed a furore across the country, as Americans by the tens of thousands allowed themselves to be fooled by the radio broadcast's realistic-sounding news bulletins and sound effects.

A Princeton University study a decade later determined that about a million people were affected in some fashion by the scare.

One reason so many people were taken in was the extraordinary calibre of the production. The science fiction radio drama -- now seen as an American classic -- was a reworking of an acclaimed H.G. Wells' story originally set in Britain.

The version broadcast in the United States, adapted by brash and brilliant young actor and director Orson Welles, aired on the evening of October 30, 1938, one day before Halloween. The performers, consummate professionals, were part of Welles' Mercury Theatre.

For his part, Welles, just 23 at the time of the broadcast, two years later went on to world acclaim as the director, producer and main protagonist in "Citizen Kane." The movie earned him an Oscar and has been hailed as among the greatest films of all time.

Thousands of radio listeners who tuned in to War of the Worlds believed that space aliens carrying ray guns were advancing toward New York City. The program, produced by the CBS Radio Network, was set in the rural town of Grovers Mill, just south of New York, in the neighbouring state of New Jersey.

Henry Brylawski, 95, says he wasn't duped by the broadcast, which he said he also knew was fictional, although others in his circle of friends and family were fooled.

"It didn't make an impression on me at all," he told AFP.

"I heard that Orson Welles program and, very frankly, it didn't affect me in any way. I din't think whether there was a fake or not because I knew it was fake."

"The next morning," he said, "I read in the papers about what a sensation the program had been."

Others however were not so discerning. Among those taken in was Brylawski’s girlfriend’s sister, who, he said "was terrified" by what she believed was to be the alien onslaught.

Seven decades later, Americans still mark the historic radio program and the histrionic reaction it unleashed. Later this week the anniversary will be marked by a new recording of the script at Ball State University, in the Midwestern state of Indiana.

Scholars have devoted written tomes in an effort to figure out how and why the public was so readily duped. Some hypothesized that the hysteria was the result of a US public already put on edge by the drumbeat of war elsewhere in the world.

"The 1938 broadcast of 'War of the Worlds' crystallised tensions and fears for one American night," Scott O'Callaghan, author of an essay "War of the Worlds: Why the Hoax Worked," told AFP.

"The prospect of a hostile encounter with the unknown was all too real for the American people in any number of ways, and the radio broadcast let us experience those fears safely, for one hour," said O'Callaghan, an assistant professor of humanities, Southern Vermont College.

"It unleashed a wave of panic, but also seemed to crystallize the fears of the era, coming as it did with the United States poised to take up arms in World War II," he said.

The Shooting Star Picture Company and Warner Music Australia are pleased to announce a partnership which will see one of Australia's largest record companies migrate to the exclusive use of PLAY MPE® and Spins services, Australia's new industry tools for audio and video delivery and radio monitoring. Both services are marketed exclusively in Australia as part of the D-Star product line.

PLAY MPE® has been testing throughout 2008 and will now provide delivery of Warner's new release content to all media exclusively on this digital platform. The Play MPE® system allows media to easily preview and download relevant music in CD quality files, transfer tracks to portable music devices such as iPods and easily collate usage data on new releases for Warner Music Australia.

D-Star Spins also launches this month, providing Australia's most accurate and user-friendly service for tracking radio airplay for label's catalogues. D-Star Spins is an essential planning tool for music companies such as Warner Music Australia to track the success of campaigns in real-time. “We are pleased to be extending our existing relationship with Shooting Star and the breadth of services they provide our organisation. Both Play MPE® and Spins are excellent, state of the art services which will provide the important business tools we need to communicate and interact with all our media partners” said Director of Promotions and Publicity for Warner Music Australia - Ben Facey.“We are delighted that Warner Music Australia is joining us on this journey to provide Australia's industry standard in promo delivery,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Our D-Star business is based on listening to the needs of both media and our label clients and proving the solutions and ever-improving products that are based on understanding both sides of the fence. Our current success proves that our strategy is the right one and we look forward to a long and prosperous future with Warner as well as our other valued clients.”Play MPE® (promotional audio delivery) and D-Star Digital (promotional video delivery) are available now with FREE accounts for media. D-Star welcomes previous users of other services to the D-Star suite for all of their promotional content needs. To sign up for a media account or to find out how either product can assist your business access the media, visit www.dstarmpe.com. D-Star Spins is available now for radio playlist monitoring in all mainland capital cities plus the Gold Coast including all commercial radio, Triple J and selected community stations. For more information on utilising this service, please email Stephen Green at D-Star at stephen@dstarmpe.com.

A Territory Radio station has been named the most popular community broadcaster in Australia.Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM was revealed the most popular station in a survey by McNair Ingenuity. The research said 42% of Darwin listeners tune in to the Charles Darwin University station. Territory FM general manager Peter Perrin said the results echo local research carried out in 2007 by Roy Morgan research.

Further on that story, Australian Independent Radio News owner/operator Artie Stevens said he was particularly pleased with the result. "As we provide the local and national news on a daily basis to Territory FM, the numbers vindicate all the hard work we have put in over the last four years to develop a professional service. That 42% of Darwin Radio listeners choose to listen to Territory FM and by default to AIR News is very gratifying, and I congratulate all our hard working team and the 104.1 on air team on a fine result." Well done Territory FM and well done AIR News

While we have been off line for the last few days survey 7 of the radio ratings was released. We are traditionally live with the results on ratings day so you can imagine our frustration around 10.00am yesterday morning.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown weighed in on a row over offensive on-air comments by two top BBC presenters which has escalated into a media and political storm.

Brown today called the comments, in which the presenters made foulmouthed claims about the granddaughter of a famous comedy actor, unacceptable and backed an investigation into the row.

Flamboyant broadcasters Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand left answer phone messages for the 78-year-old actor Andrew Sachs, famed for his role as bumbling Spanish waiter Manuel in the hit 1970s television comedy series Fawlty Towers.

The calls, including a claim that Brand had "f....d" Sachs's granddaughter and discussion of how Sachs might hang himself as a result, were recorded and later played on air during a radio show on October 18.

The BBC apologised yesterday for the comments, but listeners have flooded the broadcaster with more than 10,000 complaints - prompting the prime minister to take the unusual step of intervening.

"This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised," said Brown, in a statement issued by his Downing Street office.

As the story dominated newspaper and television coverage for a second day, the official Ofcom media watchdog said it had decided to investigate after receiving complaints itself.

Justice Minister David Hanson urged the two presenters to apologise, saying he did not think their behaviour was "appropriate" or "in keeping with broadcasting".

"I'm not sure it will result in prosecutions. But I do feel an apology is called for," he said in parliament.

Sachs himself broke his silence on the affair, telling the BBC that Ross had personally apologised and delivered flowers to him.

"He made no excuses and was very frank and open. He's in a lot of trouble and I don't want to pile any more on him," he said.

"My granddaughter hasn't heard from either Ross or Brand and I do think they owe her an apology."

He added that his granddaughter, 23-year-old Georgina Baillie, feels very guilty at having put her family through the whole thing.

Investigations are likely to focus on how BBC editors could have approved the broadcast.

The row is the latest in a string of embarrassments for the BBC. In July it was fined £400,000 ($1 million) after a string of shows faked winners of their competitions.

Talk show host Ross is one of the country's highest paid media stars ever. His three-year contract with the BBC is reputed to be worth £18 million.

Comedian Brand, known as one of British entertainment's biggest lotharios, has recently started trying to build a career in Hollywood with a role in the film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall".

A spokesman for the BBC Trust, which oversees the broadcaster's activities and is independent of its management, said it had asked for a report from BBC bosses on the matter.[link=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/10/28/audio-russell-brand-and-jonathan-ross-prank-phone-calls-to-andrew-sachs-115875-20845857/Audio link here[/link]

AUSTRALIA's largest regional media group, Macquarie Media, has accelerated a review of its capital management strategy following a share slump.

The company, which last year bought the Southern Cross regional TV business which owns most of Channel Ten's regional stations, said it would consider partial pre-payment of its business-level debt.

Chairman Max Moore-Wilton told shareholders at today's annual meeting in Sydney the option would be considered against other capital management intitiatives or potential acquisitions. [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24570406-7582,00.html]Full story The Australian[/link]

Does Brisbane have its own sound? How did sweaty suburban pubs shape generations of Australian musicians? Were The Triffids’ countless road trips across the Nullarbor the catalyst for their eerie brand of Australian gothic?

The producers of Wide Open Road, coming in November to triple j, ABC Radio National, ABC Local Radio and abc.net.au, sought out some of Australia’s most influential musicians to find out whether Australia’s diverse landscape is integral to our international reputation for unique, original music.

Hosted by triple j Music Director Richard Kingsmill and divided into four parts - Road, Suburbs, Carpet and Coast - the series examines how the Australian environment has shaped contemporary popular music, creating a singular musical identity.

See and hear musicians and songwriters in the environments that forged their particular sounds. Take a walk down by Port Phillip Bay with Paul Kelly; hear the tide rise and smell the scent of mangoes in the breeze with the Pigram Brothers of Broome; drive over the dry flatlands with the Waifs; chill out in the suburban backyard of the Hilltop Hoods; sip tea in the coastal home of John Butler; and, drop in on Darren Hanlon in the country caravan where he writes his songs.

Archival sound and new interviews and recordings bring to life the real and imagined worlds of our songwriters and musicians. You will see where Australian music has come from, and the places and headspaces that still give it its unique sounds.

For a visual and aural treat, the Wide Open Road website (abc.net.au/wideopenroad) provides extended audio interviews, lyrics, photo gallery and guest book, music downloads, and a road map of Australian music. It is also your opportunity to submit your own stories and memories of favourite gigs, songs and artists.

Tune in to hear the Wide Open Road series every Saturday for four weeks from 1 November on triple j at 2pm and ABC Radio National at 5pm during Into the Music . All episodes will also be available online as audio on demand at the Wide Open Road website. Selected excerpts will feature on ABC Local Radio.

For details on how to tune in to ABC Radio visit abc.net.au/radio .

At a time when Australian music is widely considered to be experiencing its own renaissance, Wide Open Road will traverse the songlines of our musical landscape

B105 breakfast co-host, Jason 'Labrat' Hawkins, got the shock of his life this morning. Labrat was in agony this morning when he was examined by a doctor live on-air. Dr Brian Chong, examined Labrat after he had complained of abdominal pain. The Brisbane Tines has the whole story [link="If it bursts, it increases your chances of death by about four times,"]here[/link].

It is that time of the year again - when the rumour mill starts to gain steam and the one that has been doing more than just the rounds this week is that of WS FM breakfast duo Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller heading to 2MMM breakfast in 2009.

Richard Herring, who now runs APN's outdoor media group, takes the newly formed role of group radio and outdoor chief executive which takes in the Australian Radio Network (ARN). APN own 50 percent of ARN.

D-Star Play MPE Digital Delivery System is the industry standard for the delivery of music to both radio and music industry professionals. Every Monday we bring you the 10 most popular downloaded tracks for the previous 7 days.

Here are last weeks, 12 October through until 19 October llisted by Rank, Artist, Title, Version, Label and Formats

[list][/list]1 Tracy Chapman Sing For You Warner Music Australia AC,Modern AC[list][/list]2 Taylor Swift Love Story Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]3 The Veronicas Popular Warner Music Australia Pop,CHR Pop,Top 40[list][/list]4 Gyroscope These Days Warner Music Australia Alternative,Rock,Mainstream Rock,CHR Pop[list][/list]5 Dash & Will Fighting Over Nothing Mercury Records Australia All Formats[list][/list]6 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Moto Blanco Radio Remix) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]7 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Karmatronic Club Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]8 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Dave Aude Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]9 Ladyhawke Dusk Till Dawn Modular Records All Formats[list][/list]10 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Digital Dog Club Mix Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats

The ABC has taken Stephen Crittenden off air pending an inquiry into comments he made about the axing of several Radio National programs.

It is understood ABC management told Crittenden yesterday he would not be allowed to broadcast his Religion Report on Wednesday morning[link=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/21/2396804.htm?section=entertainment]More ABC[/link]

ABC Managing Director Mark Scott today encouraged ABC audiences to have their say on the future of the ABC and the role of public broadcasting in Australia.

Mr Scott welcomed the release of the Towards a Digital Future discussion paper by the Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy and said it was an important and timely discussion in order to secure the future of the ABC.

"The ABC is one of the most significant public institutions in Australia so it is important that audiences have the opportunity to comment on the future of their ABC during the course of this discussion," Mr Scott said.

"We will be alerting our audiences to the discussion paper through announcements on ABC television and radio, and have established a dedicated website abc.net.au/haveyoursay with links to the discussion paper and resource documents.

"The ABC's current funding commitment ends in June 2009 so the outcomes of this discussion paper will inform Government as it decides the funding for the next triennium.

"Our aim is to ensure the ABC is adequately resourced to harness the potential of digital media. The ABC has already delivered much with no extra funding - innovative content driving digital TV take-up on ABC2; ABC iView pioneering internet TV; millions of podcasts and vodcasts; ABC Now and ABC Earth.

"But we want to do more - provide more programming that millions of Australians want free of charge and commercial free, so the 2009 Federal Budget will be instrumental for the ABC and our plans going into the future."

The ABC outlined a number of proposals in the lead up to the 2020 Summit that would increase the availability of content and the range of media and delivery platforms to audiences, including a dedicated non-commercial children's channel, with at least 50% Australian content, a public affairs channel and a suite of digital radio services, supported by broadband sites.

Paul Cronin has resigned from his regular fill in role on 3AW Nightline. Cronin who filled in for either Bruce Mansfield or Philip Brady when ever they were on holidays as well as the regular Friday night co-host is expected to be replaced by Ernie Sigley.Marty Fields will co-host for the next 4 weeks.

Former B105 breakfast presenter Jamie Dunn is leaving Zinc 96, Sunshine Coast, to return to Brisbane radio where he will head up breakfast at 4BC from Jan 2009. His last day at Zinc will be 0ctober 17.

Dunn will take his current on air team of Ian Calder and Courtney Burns with him to 4BC. Naturally his alter ego of Agro will also be joining the new breakfast program.[link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-radio-about-to-get-agro/2008/10/16/1223750198996.html]Brisbane Times article[/link]

Shooting Star Picture Company's D-Star is proud to announce its support of the upcoming AIR Independent Music Awards by using their D-STAR PLAY MPE system to enhance the awards judging.

“A system like Play MPE makes transferring music to media so easy and the feedback from our judges was that they wanted to share that user-friendly experience when judging the more than fifty entries from around Australia.” said AIR CEO Stuart Watters. “We're grateful that a system like this is around and stoked that a company like D-Star understands the importance of the independent sector to the industry as a whole.”

The AIR Awards recognises the cream of Australia's independent music talent. Play MPE allows the secure delivery of all nominated albums electronically to judges from across the media, retail and radio industries.

“The independent sector is a rapidly growing part of the industry and its important we support them wherever we can,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Play MPE ensures that judges have all the releases in one place while being able to burn to CD, transfer to their ipod, or simply stream from their computer at the touch of a button.

Not only does it make the life of judges easier, but it provides access for the independents to an invaluable promotional opportunity.”

Judging for the AIR Awards is happening now with nominations announced October the 24th. The awards ceremony featuring performances from the cream of Australia’ s independent musicians will be held on November 24th at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.

For more information, please contact Stephen Green on stephen@dstarmpe.com or 0412 321 368.For information on how to get an account to receive record company promos for media purposes, please visit www.dstarmpe.com.

Friends of the ABC is outraged at ABC plans to axe nine specialist Radio National programs next year, and to increase the number of repeats.

"These cuts amount to a major downgrading of Radio National,” said Glenys Stradijot, a spokesperson for Friends of the ABC (Vic).

“Radio National is the essence of what public broadcasting should be. It produces programs of depth that are informative and stimulating.

“It is inconceivable that the ABC would cut Radio National.

"With other parts of the ABC, having become more populist and lightweight, audience interest in RN has never been greater. Nor has the community’s need for quality content.

"Audiences are fed up with the huge number of repeats already broadcast on RN. They don’t want more.”

Friends of the ABC fears the ABC is cutting RN to divert funds to newer services.

“While it is essential the ABC keeps up-to-date with new ways of delivering content, the public broadcaster’s future lies in its production of quality content. Moves to increase content delivery options must not be at the expense of traditional services that are needed and are accessible to all Australians.

“It’s time the ABC’s managing director told the government and the community how much funding the ABC really needs to remain a quality national broadcaster,” said Glenys Stradijot.

3NE breaky announcer Paul Konik encountered a huge surprise when entering the studio for his regular shift on October 14

The popular announcer was showered with confetti upon entering a refurbished studio that had been fitted with a brand new panel and desk. To add to the festivities, the studio had been adorned with streamers and balloons.

Paul had previously been assured the studio wouldn't be ready until a later date, but devious minds were plotting and planning!

The new panel, nicknamed 'Bob the Mixer', had been planted with dummy commercials, which in reality went to air and played an introductory message from the panel, voiced by 'Bob the Mixer'. Bob also introduced other members of the panel team whilst laying down the new studio rules.

Staggeringly, these rules included no coffee in the on air studio! To conclude the message, 'Bob' introduced the panel's favourite song which co-incidentally just happened to be the technician's all time favourite song......hmmmm!

A novel way to christen a new panel, but all taken in good fun by Paul, who was simply elated with the new surrounds.

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/cbaa.png[/img]The number of Australians listening to community radio has exploded, with 57 per cent of Australians tuning in compared to 47 per cent only two years ago. Over nine and a half million people are now tuning in.

This 10 per cent rise in listenership, was revealed in the 2008 Community Radio National Listener Survey, conducted by McNair Ingenuity Research.[link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/618.html]Full story CBAA[/link]

Dubbo radio stations have scooped the pool, winning three prestigious awards between them at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) held on the Gold Coast on the weekend.2DU sports presenter Geoff Mann took out the best sports presenter award, while 93.5 Star FM Dubbo’s Damien ‘Will’ Willoughby won best program director and Josie Hand was awarded the best newcomer off-air.

Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner, congratulated the winners on their commitment to providing quality radio to regional listeners and said Dubbo had a history of producing good radio talent.[link=http://dubbo.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/dubbos-radio-stars-shine-at-awards/1331862.aspx]Full story[/link]

Fox FM’s comic duo, Hamish and Andy, have take top honours for Best-On Air team at this year’s 20th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), announced this evening at a gala ceremony on the Gold Coast.

Taking the crown from last year’s winners, Kyle and Jackie O, the Melbourne pair’s Hamish and Andy Show also took home awards for Best Networked Program; Best Station Promotion and Best On-Air Team Producer for Sam Cavanagh.

Other major awards announced before a crowd of more than 900 commercial radio leaders and stars at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast tonight were:

• Laura Tunstall from 2GB took home the Brian White Memorial Award for excellence in journalism

Special guests at the Awards ceremony were Pakistan’s cricketing legend and politician, Imran Khan, and British television personality, Nigel Lythgoe, well-known for his work in light entertainment, and as a judge on the American hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance”.

The national Awards, organised by Commercial Radio Australia, cover all metropolitan, provincial and country commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in 31 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music.

This year’s MC was Andrew G from Australian Idol who also hosts Australia’s biggest weekly radio countdown, “Take 40 Australia”.

6PR breakfast news reader Deborah Kennedy will be leaving the stations newsroom next month after almost five years. At this stage it is understood she will continue to have some involvement with the station.

UK TV producer Nigel Lythgoe, who created So You Think You Can Dance, says it’s time to move on from reality television and the b grade nobodies that it creates.

Speaking at the National Radio Conference on the Gold Coast, Lythgoe said reality television was partly responsible for creating disposable celebrities who have no real talent.

An insider suggested there were some ears burning and beetroot faces amongst the audience, specially from one network head that once gave the direction to chase anything that showed 'promise' from numerous Reality TV programmes.

WHAT started out yesterday as gentle jibes between Nova's Nathan and Nat and 92.9 rivals Em and Wippa has turned nasty today.

The battle of 'he said, she said' over claims the audio clip of Beyonce’s new song was doctored during Nova 93.7 and 92.9’s radio broadcast yesterday morning has lifted a notch today.

It was suggested by Nova yesterday that 92.9 had recorded the song played on Nova and that you could hear breakfast host Nathan Morris at the end of the song played by 92.9. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24475156-5012990,00.html]Full story PerthNow[/link]

Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $164.67 million in the first quarter of this financial year, a drop of 0.52% compared to the same timeframe last year, according to the 2008 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue as sourced by Deloitte, and released today by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said this was a steady performance from the radio industry given the economic uncertainty and tough times facing many businesses.

“The metropolitan radio ad revenue continues to be resilient in what are tougher economic times and a period of uncertainty,” Ms Warner said.

“Some markets like Perth have continued to perform strongly in the first three months of the financial year and some like Sydney continue to be a challenge.”

The figures show that for the three months of July, August and September of this year, Sydney generated $54.08 million (down 5.5%); Melbourne was $47.3 million (up 0.66%); Brisbane was $26.3 million (up 0.99%); Adelaide was $14.9 million (down 2.69%) and Perth generated $21.9 million (up 10.9%) compared to the same timeframe last year.

Ms Warner said the monthly growth was also patchy with July about even; August down by about five per cent and September up by about two per cent – highlighting the volatile nature of the economic climate and also the short-term nature of some city markets.

“Radio is a very resilient advertising medium and has performed well in times of tough economic circumstances so the industry is positive about the coming months,” Ms Warner said.

“However, the radio industry must continue to be innovative and lead the way in developing new opportunities for attracting advertising revenue. The link between radio and online continues to present significant opportunities for commercial radio stations this year as does the launch of digital radio early next year,” Ms Warner said.

2GB's Alan Jones has signed with the station for a further 5 years and will be heard on air until at least 2013. Jones will soon revert his program back to a 9.00am finish as opposed to the current 10.00am.

Austereo have partnered with Nine MSN to launch a social networking tool for Windows Live Messenger.

The tool features Heidi, a unique “Windows Live Agent', who is a young hip 19 year old blonde girl that can be added as a contact on Windows Live Messenger and answer on-line questions about the Austereo HOT 30 countdown.

It seems that the Melbourne 1611 am frequency is back on the air, well sort of. If you tune to 1611am in Melbourne you will hear Paul Kelly and Paul Kelly, with a bit of Paul Kelly thrown in - um.... more Paul Kelly and of course Paul Kelly at the top of the hour.You get the picture, they are playing a continuous loop of Paul Kelly.

Sentinel Content and Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) revealed today that they have successfully begun live demonstration broadcasts of real-time traffic information on digital radio.

Digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in the first half of 2009. Digital radio will provide a platform for Australians to have superior sound quality, greater listening choice, as well as a new visual aspect to radio with the introduction of scrolling news, sport, traffic and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD or an animated logo on screen. Additional information such as detailed traffic reports and traveller information can also be streamed as data directly to satellite navigation systems or portable navigation devices.

Sentinel, an Australian live content and service provision company, has been working closely with CRA since March this year to access and develop the first live Australian demonstration of traffic reports and other traveller information broadcast over Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) Traffic using digital radio technology.

The demonstration service and technology will be on display at the National Radio Conference, at Conrad Jupiters Hotel on the Gold Coast on Friday 10th October 2008.

With the rising cost of motoring and transport services, having access to LIVE and real-time information about traffic congestion, latest petrol prices and journey planning will save Australian commuters and businesses time and money.

“We offer more than just traffic information” says Sentinel Content’s General Manager, Danny Woolard. “Through the next generation of digital radios, the information we can provide to people on the move will allow them to plan the best time to leave and what route to take to a destination, taking into account traffic incidents, road-works, travel times and road safety information.”

“You will also get real-time petrol pricing, not just where you are, but where you are going,” Mr Woolard said. “And when you get there you can get information ahead of time about how many parking spots are left in a car park as well as accommodation pricing and vacancies.”

“It is all about arriving at your destination safely, efficiently and more cost effectively”.

Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said Commercial Radio Australia has worked closely with Sentinel in the development of the demonstration of this exciting use of digital radio technology. “Digital radio will enhance the radio experience for listeners, broadcasters and advertisers. The Sentinel demonstration is just the start of broadcasters and listeners understanding the many and varied applications of this powerful and compelling technology.”Sentinel has been working with German technology partner GEWI, to deliver the technical TPEG Digital Radio standard. With their joint experience they have been extensively involved in the development of the new broadcast data service standards and deployments of traffic services. The new Australian service uses a similar technology platform which is proven and widely deployed throughout Europe.

Mr Woolard says “Europe’s success in deploying digital radio, and developing and implementing these types of valuable services means that Australians would also be able to benefit from the time, efficiency, lower cost and safety benefits that our services provide”.

Sentinel’s Road Sense® Traffic and its other live information services cover major population areas in all Australian States. The information services have been constantly improved and moved into live production systems over the past twelve months. They can be accessed through Sentinel’s demonstration web site myDrive.com.au and 197drive.com.au; a premium rate SMS text message service. The company has also recently released a GPRS-TMC server to server service which delivers traffic information direct to mobile phones and in-vehicle GPS satellite navigation devices.

Source traffic information for Road Sense® includes real-time data from Australia’s road authorities and independent sources of road incident data. Sentinel’s journalistic traffic editors and data entry staff based in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, also check and collate information for accuracy and quality as incidents occur on the road network. The information also includes planned and scheduled events that affect traffic flow.

2GB's Alan Jones's comments at the height of a controversy about a speech by a Sydney sheik about women's skimpy clothing had vilified all Australian Muslims, a tribunal has heard.

Alan Jones had referred to Lebanese Muslims as "vermin" and "a national security problem in the making" during one of his broadcasts in April 2005.[link=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/talkbackkingvilifiedmuslimstribunaltold/2008/10/06/1223145241645.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1] Full story SMH[/link]

Derryn Hinch is facing five criminal charges after allegedly breaching a court order not to name two sex offenders.

In a statement on Radio 3AW, the controversial broadcaster refused to back down from identifying the men, whose names had been suppressed by the County Court.

"I know I was morally right. Whether or not I was legally right is for the courts to decide,'' he said.

Hinch named the men during a public rally on the steps of Parliament to protest a law that extends the supervision of convicted sex offenders on their release from jail. [link=http://www.theage.com.au/national/hinch-faces-charges-over-naming-sex-offenders-20081003-4td7.html]Full article The Age[/link]

CRA: The 20th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) are shaping up to be great entertainment with Australian rock bands, The Living End, Faker and The Galvatrons all performing at the event on the Gold Coast next week. This year’s ACRAs will be held at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 11.

The Living End has had two number one albums and has also gained recent success in the United States and Europe. Faker, an alternative rock band, became a mainstream success last year with its album, “Be the Twilight”. And The Galvatrons’ single, “When We Were Kids” has also received lots of airtime on commercial radio this year.

The bands will be joined by one of the winners of this year’s New Artists 2 Radio (NA2R) initiative, and will be chosen from Boston Shaker, Ashleigh Mannix and Emma-Louise.

Chief executive officer, Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said it was a very exciting entertainment line-up this year, highlighting some great Australian talent.

“It is very exciting to feature some great Australian bands at this year’s ACRAs which should set the tone for a great night,” Ms Warner said.Australian Idol co-host, Andrew G, who also hosts Australia’s biggest weekly radio countdown, “Take 40 Australia”, will MC this year’s Awards. Andrew G, began his career in radio at B105 in Brisbane and then SAFM in Adelaide, before moving to television with Channel V.A number of radio personalities will present awards, including Hamish and Andy from Fox FM, Merrick, Rosso and Kate Ritchie from Nova 969, Ian “Dicko” Dickson from Vega in Melbourne, Greg Carey from 4BC and Gold Coast radio personalities, Matty and Renee from Sea FM and Mal Lees from Hot Tomato.Nigel Lythgoe, well-known for his work in light entertainment, and judge on the American hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance”, will also present at this year’s awards along with Imran Khan, renowned Pakistani cricketer and politician.

The ACRAs, organised by Commercial Radio Australia on behalf of the radio industry, include 32 categories, which cover all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment. The ACRAs differ from television’s Logie Awards, in that they are peer judged with judging panels comprised of industry members.

The ACRAs is a gala event of the radio industry’s calendar, attracting radio personalities and stars from around Australia.

Helen Razer has been sacked by 774 ABC Melbourne after three years as host of the Sunday arts program. It is understood the sacking comes just weeks after a short yet rather heated interview with British playwright Steven Berkoff in which Razer referred to him as a 'curmudgeon'.An ABC radio source has confirmed to radionews.com.au that Razer will present her final show before the end of the year.Colourful is one way to describe Helen Razer, her wiki page makes for interesting reading [link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Razer]here[/link]

An interesting article in the SMH regarding two former Media Monitors employees and 2GB's Chris Smith. A shocking case of cyber bullying is what it really comes down to.

After monitoring talkback radio for years, Brent Balinski reached breaking point in July. Mucking around at Media Monitors one day he found on the website of 2GB's Chris Smith pictures of the shock jock's little kids in the bath. Balinski hadn't forgotten Smith's role in whipping up the great storm over Bill Henson's pictures of naked children. He thought: "Hypocrisy doesn't do it justice." Read the entire story

United Christian Broadcasters are the new owners of Melbourne frequency 1611am and they will broadcast via their Vision Radio Network of over 330 stations across Australia. [link=http://www.vision.org.au/news.htm]Link[/link]

Seventy years ago, thousands of American radio listeners fled what they feared was an imminent invasion by space aliens; while others armed themselves in defence against the marauding extraterrestrials.

Radio listeners, many of whom flooded police emergency phone lines, apparently had missed a disclaimer at the start of the broadcast making it clear that events unfolding over the airwaves were fictional.

A headline emblazoned across the top of the New York Times the next day told the story: "Radio listeners in panic, taking war drama as fact."

This year marks seven decades since the historic "War of the Worlds" broadcast unleashed a furore across the country, as Americans by the tens of thousands allowed themselves to be fooled by the radio broadcast's realistic-sounding news bulletins and sound effects.

A Princeton University study a decade later determined that about a million people were affected in some fashion by the scare.

One reason so many people were taken in was the extraordinary calibre of the production. The science fiction radio drama -- now seen as an American classic -- was a reworking of an acclaimed H.G. Wells' story originally set in Britain.

The version broadcast in the United States, adapted by brash and brilliant young actor and director Orson Welles, aired on the evening of October 30, 1938, one day before Halloween. The performers, consummate professionals, were part of Welles' Mercury Theatre.

For his part, Welles, just 23 at the time of the broadcast, two years later went on to world acclaim as the director, producer and main protagonist in "Citizen Kane." The movie earned him an Oscar and has been hailed as among the greatest films of all time.

Thousands of radio listeners who tuned in to War of the Worlds believed that space aliens carrying ray guns were advancing toward New York City. The program, produced by the CBS Radio Network, was set in the rural town of Grovers Mill, just south of New York, in the neighbouring state of New Jersey.

Henry Brylawski, 95, says he wasn't duped by the broadcast, which he said he also knew was fictional, although others in his circle of friends and family were fooled.

"It didn't make an impression on me at all," he told AFP.

"I heard that Orson Welles program and, very frankly, it didn't affect me in any way. I din't think whether there was a fake or not because I knew it was fake."

"The next morning," he said, "I read in the papers about what a sensation the program had been."

Others however were not so discerning. Among those taken in was Brylawski’s girlfriend’s sister, who, he said "was terrified" by what she believed was to be the alien onslaught.

Seven decades later, Americans still mark the historic radio program and the histrionic reaction it unleashed. Later this week the anniversary will be marked by a new recording of the script at Ball State University, in the Midwestern state of Indiana.

Scholars have devoted written tomes in an effort to figure out how and why the public was so readily duped. Some hypothesized that the hysteria was the result of a US public already put on edge by the drumbeat of war elsewhere in the world.

"The 1938 broadcast of 'War of the Worlds' crystallised tensions and fears for one American night," Scott O'Callaghan, author of an essay "War of the Worlds: Why the Hoax Worked," told AFP.

"The prospect of a hostile encounter with the unknown was all too real for the American people in any number of ways, and the radio broadcast let us experience those fears safely, for one hour," said O'Callaghan, an assistant professor of humanities, Southern Vermont College.

"It unleashed a wave of panic, but also seemed to crystallize the fears of the era, coming as it did with the United States poised to take up arms in World War II," he said.

The Shooting Star Picture Company and Warner Music Australia are pleased to announce a partnership which will see one of Australia's largest record companies migrate to the exclusive use of PLAY MPE® and Spins services, Australia's new industry tools for audio and video delivery and radio monitoring. Both services are marketed exclusively in Australia as part of the D-Star product line.

PLAY MPE® has been testing throughout 2008 and will now provide delivery of Warner's new release content to all media exclusively on this digital platform. The Play MPE® system allows media to easily preview and download relevant music in CD quality files, transfer tracks to portable music devices such as iPods and easily collate usage data on new releases for Warner Music Australia.

D-Star Spins also launches this month, providing Australia's most accurate and user-friendly service for tracking radio airplay for label's catalogues. D-Star Spins is an essential planning tool for music companies such as Warner Music Australia to track the success of campaigns in real-time. “We are pleased to be extending our existing relationship with Shooting Star and the breadth of services they provide our organisation. Both Play MPE® and Spins are excellent, state of the art services which will provide the important business tools we need to communicate and interact with all our media partners” said Director of Promotions and Publicity for Warner Music Australia - Ben Facey.“We are delighted that Warner Music Australia is joining us on this journey to provide Australia's industry standard in promo delivery,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Our D-Star business is based on listening to the needs of both media and our label clients and proving the solutions and ever-improving products that are based on understanding both sides of the fence. Our current success proves that our strategy is the right one and we look forward to a long and prosperous future with Warner as well as our other valued clients.”Play MPE® (promotional audio delivery) and D-Star Digital (promotional video delivery) are available now with FREE accounts for media. D-Star welcomes previous users of other services to the D-Star suite for all of their promotional content needs. To sign up for a media account or to find out how either product can assist your business access the media, visit www.dstarmpe.com. D-Star Spins is available now for radio playlist monitoring in all mainland capital cities plus the Gold Coast including all commercial radio, Triple J and selected community stations. For more information on utilising this service, please email Stephen Green at D-Star at stephen@dstarmpe.com.

A Territory Radio station has been named the most popular community broadcaster in Australia.Darwin's 104.1 Territory FM was revealed the most popular station in a survey by McNair Ingenuity. The research said 42% of Darwin listeners tune in to the Charles Darwin University station. Territory FM general manager Peter Perrin said the results echo local research carried out in 2007 by Roy Morgan research.

Further on that story, Australian Independent Radio News owner/operator Artie Stevens said he was particularly pleased with the result. "As we provide the local and national news on a daily basis to Territory FM, the numbers vindicate all the hard work we have put in over the last four years to develop a professional service. That 42% of Darwin Radio listeners choose to listen to Territory FM and by default to AIR News is very gratifying, and I congratulate all our hard working team and the 104.1 on air team on a fine result." Well done Territory FM and well done AIR News

While we have been off line for the last few days survey 7 of the radio ratings was released. We are traditionally live with the results on ratings day so you can imagine our frustration around 10.00am yesterday morning.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown weighed in on a row over offensive on-air comments by two top BBC presenters which has escalated into a media and political storm.

Brown today called the comments, in which the presenters made foulmouthed claims about the granddaughter of a famous comedy actor, unacceptable and backed an investigation into the row.

Flamboyant broadcasters Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand left answer phone messages for the 78-year-old actor Andrew Sachs, famed for his role as bumbling Spanish waiter Manuel in the hit 1970s television comedy series Fawlty Towers.

The calls, including a claim that Brand had "f....d" Sachs's granddaughter and discussion of how Sachs might hang himself as a result, were recorded and later played on air during a radio show on October 18.

The BBC apologised yesterday for the comments, but listeners have flooded the broadcaster with more than 10,000 complaints - prompting the prime minister to take the unusual step of intervening.

"This is clearly inappropriate and unacceptable behaviour, as is now widely recognised," said Brown, in a statement issued by his Downing Street office.

As the story dominated newspaper and television coverage for a second day, the official Ofcom media watchdog said it had decided to investigate after receiving complaints itself.

Justice Minister David Hanson urged the two presenters to apologise, saying he did not think their behaviour was "appropriate" or "in keeping with broadcasting".

"I'm not sure it will result in prosecutions. But I do feel an apology is called for," he said in parliament.

Sachs himself broke his silence on the affair, telling the BBC that Ross had personally apologised and delivered flowers to him.

"He made no excuses and was very frank and open. He's in a lot of trouble and I don't want to pile any more on him," he said.

"My granddaughter hasn't heard from either Ross or Brand and I do think they owe her an apology."

He added that his granddaughter, 23-year-old Georgina Baillie, feels very guilty at having put her family through the whole thing.

Investigations are likely to focus on how BBC editors could have approved the broadcast.

The row is the latest in a string of embarrassments for the BBC. In July it was fined £400,000 ($1 million) after a string of shows faked winners of their competitions.

Talk show host Ross is one of the country's highest paid media stars ever. His three-year contract with the BBC is reputed to be worth £18 million.

Comedian Brand, known as one of British entertainment's biggest lotharios, has recently started trying to build a career in Hollywood with a role in the film "Forgetting Sarah Marshall".

A spokesman for the BBC Trust, which oversees the broadcaster's activities and is independent of its management, said it had asked for a report from BBC bosses on the matter.[link=http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/10/28/audio-russell-brand-and-jonathan-ross-prank-phone-calls-to-andrew-sachs-115875-20845857/Audio link here[/link]

AUSTRALIA's largest regional media group, Macquarie Media, has accelerated a review of its capital management strategy following a share slump.

The company, which last year bought the Southern Cross regional TV business which owns most of Channel Ten's regional stations, said it would consider partial pre-payment of its business-level debt.

Chairman Max Moore-Wilton told shareholders at today's annual meeting in Sydney the option would be considered against other capital management intitiatives or potential acquisitions. [link=http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,24897,24570406-7582,00.html]Full story The Australian[/link]

Does Brisbane have its own sound? How did sweaty suburban pubs shape generations of Australian musicians? Were The Triffids’ countless road trips across the Nullarbor the catalyst for their eerie brand of Australian gothic?

The producers of Wide Open Road, coming in November to triple j, ABC Radio National, ABC Local Radio and abc.net.au, sought out some of Australia’s most influential musicians to find out whether Australia’s diverse landscape is integral to our international reputation for unique, original music.

Hosted by triple j Music Director Richard Kingsmill and divided into four parts - Road, Suburbs, Carpet and Coast - the series examines how the Australian environment has shaped contemporary popular music, creating a singular musical identity.

See and hear musicians and songwriters in the environments that forged their particular sounds. Take a walk down by Port Phillip Bay with Paul Kelly; hear the tide rise and smell the scent of mangoes in the breeze with the Pigram Brothers of Broome; drive over the dry flatlands with the Waifs; chill out in the suburban backyard of the Hilltop Hoods; sip tea in the coastal home of John Butler; and, drop in on Darren Hanlon in the country caravan where he writes his songs.

Archival sound and new interviews and recordings bring to life the real and imagined worlds of our songwriters and musicians. You will see where Australian music has come from, and the places and headspaces that still give it its unique sounds.

For a visual and aural treat, the Wide Open Road website (abc.net.au/wideopenroad) provides extended audio interviews, lyrics, photo gallery and guest book, music downloads, and a road map of Australian music. It is also your opportunity to submit your own stories and memories of favourite gigs, songs and artists.

Tune in to hear the Wide Open Road series every Saturday for four weeks from 1 November on triple j at 2pm and ABC Radio National at 5pm during Into the Music . All episodes will also be available online as audio on demand at the Wide Open Road website. Selected excerpts will feature on ABC Local Radio.

For details on how to tune in to ABC Radio visit abc.net.au/radio .

At a time when Australian music is widely considered to be experiencing its own renaissance, Wide Open Road will traverse the songlines of our musical landscape

B105 breakfast co-host, Jason 'Labrat' Hawkins, got the shock of his life this morning. Labrat was in agony this morning when he was examined by a doctor live on-air. Dr Brian Chong, examined Labrat after he had complained of abdominal pain. The Brisbane Tines has the whole story [link="If it bursts, it increases your chances of death by about four times,"]here[/link].

It is that time of the year again - when the rumour mill starts to gain steam and the one that has been doing more than just the rounds this week is that of WS FM breakfast duo Brendan Jones and Amanda Keller heading to 2MMM breakfast in 2009.

Richard Herring, who now runs APN's outdoor media group, takes the newly formed role of group radio and outdoor chief executive which takes in the Australian Radio Network (ARN). APN own 50 percent of ARN.

D-Star Play MPE Digital Delivery System is the industry standard for the delivery of music to both radio and music industry professionals. Every Monday we bring you the 10 most popular downloaded tracks for the previous 7 days.

Here are last weeks, 12 October through until 19 October llisted by Rank, Artist, Title, Version, Label and Formats

[list][/list]1 Tracy Chapman Sing For You Warner Music Australia AC,Modern AC[list][/list]2 Taylor Swift Love Story Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]3 The Veronicas Popular Warner Music Australia Pop,CHR Pop,Top 40[list][/list]4 Gyroscope These Days Warner Music Australia Alternative,Rock,Mainstream Rock,CHR Pop[list][/list]5 Dash & Will Fighting Over Nothing Mercury Records Australia All Formats[list][/list]6 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Moto Blanco Radio Remix) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]7 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Karmatronic Club Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]8 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Dave Aude Radio Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats[list][/list]9 Ladyhawke Dusk Till Dawn Modular Records All Formats[list][/list]10 The Pussycat Dolls I Hate This Part (Digital Dog Club Mix Edit) Remix Universal Music Australia All Formats

The ABC has taken Stephen Crittenden off air pending an inquiry into comments he made about the axing of several Radio National programs.

It is understood ABC management told Crittenden yesterday he would not be allowed to broadcast his Religion Report on Wednesday morning[link=http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/10/21/2396804.htm?section=entertainment]More ABC[/link]

ABC Managing Director Mark Scott today encouraged ABC audiences to have their say on the future of the ABC and the role of public broadcasting in Australia.

Mr Scott welcomed the release of the Towards a Digital Future discussion paper by the Minister for Communications Stephen Conroy and said it was an important and timely discussion in order to secure the future of the ABC.

"The ABC is one of the most significant public institutions in Australia so it is important that audiences have the opportunity to comment on the future of their ABC during the course of this discussion," Mr Scott said.

"We will be alerting our audiences to the discussion paper through announcements on ABC television and radio, and have established a dedicated website abc.net.au/haveyoursay with links to the discussion paper and resource documents.

"The ABC's current funding commitment ends in June 2009 so the outcomes of this discussion paper will inform Government as it decides the funding for the next triennium.

"Our aim is to ensure the ABC is adequately resourced to harness the potential of digital media. The ABC has already delivered much with no extra funding - innovative content driving digital TV take-up on ABC2; ABC iView pioneering internet TV; millions of podcasts and vodcasts; ABC Now and ABC Earth.

"But we want to do more - provide more programming that millions of Australians want free of charge and commercial free, so the 2009 Federal Budget will be instrumental for the ABC and our plans going into the future."

The ABC outlined a number of proposals in the lead up to the 2020 Summit that would increase the availability of content and the range of media and delivery platforms to audiences, including a dedicated non-commercial children's channel, with at least 50% Australian content, a public affairs channel and a suite of digital radio services, supported by broadband sites.

Paul Cronin has resigned from his regular fill in role on 3AW Nightline. Cronin who filled in for either Bruce Mansfield or Philip Brady when ever they were on holidays as well as the regular Friday night co-host is expected to be replaced by Ernie Sigley.Marty Fields will co-host for the next 4 weeks.

Former B105 breakfast presenter Jamie Dunn is leaving Zinc 96, Sunshine Coast, to return to Brisbane radio where he will head up breakfast at 4BC from Jan 2009. His last day at Zinc will be 0ctober 17.

Dunn will take his current on air team of Ian Calder and Courtney Burns with him to 4BC. Naturally his alter ego of Agro will also be joining the new breakfast program.[link=http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/news/queensland/brisbane-radio-about-to-get-agro/2008/10/16/1223750198996.html]Brisbane Times article[/link]

Shooting Star Picture Company's D-Star is proud to announce its support of the upcoming AIR Independent Music Awards by using their D-STAR PLAY MPE system to enhance the awards judging.

“A system like Play MPE makes transferring music to media so easy and the feedback from our judges was that they wanted to share that user-friendly experience when judging the more than fifty entries from around Australia.” said AIR CEO Stuart Watters. “We're grateful that a system like this is around and stoked that a company like D-Star understands the importance of the independent sector to the industry as a whole.”

The AIR Awards recognises the cream of Australia's independent music talent. Play MPE allows the secure delivery of all nominated albums electronically to judges from across the media, retail and radio industries.

“The independent sector is a rapidly growing part of the industry and its important we support them wherever we can,” said Shooting Star Picture Company CEO Peter Skillman. “Play MPE ensures that judges have all the releases in one place while being able to burn to CD, transfer to their ipod, or simply stream from their computer at the touch of a button.

Not only does it make the life of judges easier, but it provides access for the independents to an invaluable promotional opportunity.”

Judging for the AIR Awards is happening now with nominations announced October the 24th. The awards ceremony featuring performances from the cream of Australia’ s independent musicians will be held on November 24th at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.

For more information, please contact Stephen Green on stephen@dstarmpe.com or 0412 321 368.For information on how to get an account to receive record company promos for media purposes, please visit www.dstarmpe.com.

Friends of the ABC is outraged at ABC plans to axe nine specialist Radio National programs next year, and to increase the number of repeats.

"These cuts amount to a major downgrading of Radio National,” said Glenys Stradijot, a spokesperson for Friends of the ABC (Vic).

“Radio National is the essence of what public broadcasting should be. It produces programs of depth that are informative and stimulating.

“It is inconceivable that the ABC would cut Radio National.

"With other parts of the ABC, having become more populist and lightweight, audience interest in RN has never been greater. Nor has the community’s need for quality content.

"Audiences are fed up with the huge number of repeats already broadcast on RN. They don’t want more.”

Friends of the ABC fears the ABC is cutting RN to divert funds to newer services.

“While it is essential the ABC keeps up-to-date with new ways of delivering content, the public broadcaster’s future lies in its production of quality content. Moves to increase content delivery options must not be at the expense of traditional services that are needed and are accessible to all Australians.

“It’s time the ABC’s managing director told the government and the community how much funding the ABC really needs to remain a quality national broadcaster,” said Glenys Stradijot.

3NE breaky announcer Paul Konik encountered a huge surprise when entering the studio for his regular shift on October 14

The popular announcer was showered with confetti upon entering a refurbished studio that had been fitted with a brand new panel and desk. To add to the festivities, the studio had been adorned with streamers and balloons.

Paul had previously been assured the studio wouldn't be ready until a later date, but devious minds were plotting and planning!

The new panel, nicknamed 'Bob the Mixer', had been planted with dummy commercials, which in reality went to air and played an introductory message from the panel, voiced by 'Bob the Mixer'. Bob also introduced other members of the panel team whilst laying down the new studio rules.

Staggeringly, these rules included no coffee in the on air studio! To conclude the message, 'Bob' introduced the panel's favourite song which co-incidentally just happened to be the technician's all time favourite song......hmmmm!

A novel way to christen a new panel, but all taken in good fun by Paul, who was simply elated with the new surrounds.

[img]{e_IMAGE}newspost_images/cbaa.png[/img]The number of Australians listening to community radio has exploded, with 57 per cent of Australians tuning in compared to 47 per cent only two years ago. Over nine and a half million people are now tuning in.

This 10 per cent rise in listenership, was revealed in the 2008 Community Radio National Listener Survey, conducted by McNair Ingenuity Research.[link=http://www.cbaa.org.au/content.php/618.html]Full story CBAA[/link]

Dubbo radio stations have scooped the pool, winning three prestigious awards between them at the Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) held on the Gold Coast on the weekend.2DU sports presenter Geoff Mann took out the best sports presenter award, while 93.5 Star FM Dubbo’s Damien ‘Will’ Willoughby won best program director and Josie Hand was awarded the best newcomer off-air.

Commercial Radio Australia CEO, Joan Warner, congratulated the winners on their commitment to providing quality radio to regional listeners and said Dubbo had a history of producing good radio talent.[link=http://dubbo.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/dubbos-radio-stars-shine-at-awards/1331862.aspx]Full story[/link]

Fox FM’s comic duo, Hamish and Andy, have take top honours for Best-On Air team at this year’s 20th Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs), announced this evening at a gala ceremony on the Gold Coast.

Taking the crown from last year’s winners, Kyle and Jackie O, the Melbourne pair’s Hamish and Andy Show also took home awards for Best Networked Program; Best Station Promotion and Best On-Air Team Producer for Sam Cavanagh.

Other major awards announced before a crowd of more than 900 commercial radio leaders and stars at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast tonight were:

• Laura Tunstall from 2GB took home the Brian White Memorial Award for excellence in journalism

Special guests at the Awards ceremony were Pakistan’s cricketing legend and politician, Imran Khan, and British television personality, Nigel Lythgoe, well-known for his work in light entertainment, and as a judge on the American hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance”.

The national Awards, organised by Commercial Radio Australia, cover all metropolitan, provincial and country commercial radio stations with winners announced for each of these three areas in 31 categories. The categories encompass all aspects of commercial radio including news, talkback, sport and music.

This year’s MC was Andrew G from Australian Idol who also hosts Australia’s biggest weekly radio countdown, “Take 40 Australia”.

6PR breakfast news reader Deborah Kennedy will be leaving the stations newsroom next month after almost five years. At this stage it is understood she will continue to have some involvement with the station.

UK TV producer Nigel Lythgoe, who created So You Think You Can Dance, says it’s time to move on from reality television and the b grade nobodies that it creates.

Speaking at the National Radio Conference on the Gold Coast, Lythgoe said reality television was partly responsible for creating disposable celebrities who have no real talent.

An insider suggested there were some ears burning and beetroot faces amongst the audience, specially from one network head that once gave the direction to chase anything that showed 'promise' from numerous Reality TV programmes.

WHAT started out yesterday as gentle jibes between Nova's Nathan and Nat and 92.9 rivals Em and Wippa has turned nasty today.

The battle of 'he said, she said' over claims the audio clip of Beyonce’s new song was doctored during Nova 93.7 and 92.9’s radio broadcast yesterday morning has lifted a notch today.

It was suggested by Nova yesterday that 92.9 had recorded the song played on Nova and that you could hear breakfast host Nathan Morris at the end of the song played by 92.9. [link=http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,24475156-5012990,00.html]Full story PerthNow[/link]

Metropolitan commercial radio stations generated advertising revenue of $164.67 million in the first quarter of this financial year, a drop of 0.52% compared to the same timeframe last year, according to the 2008 Metropolitan Commercial Radio Advertising Revenue as sourced by Deloitte, and released today by industry body, Commercial Radio Australia.

Chief executive officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said this was a steady performance from the radio industry given the economic uncertainty and tough times facing many businesses.

“The metropolitan radio ad revenue continues to be resilient in what are tougher economic times and a period of uncertainty,” Ms Warner said.

“Some markets like Perth have continued to perform strongly in the first three months of the financial year and some like Sydney continue to be a challenge.”

The figures show that for the three months of July, August and September of this year, Sydney generated $54.08 million (down 5.5%); Melbourne was $47.3 million (up 0.66%); Brisbane was $26.3 million (up 0.99%); Adelaide was $14.9 million (down 2.69%) and Perth generated $21.9 million (up 10.9%) compared to the same timeframe last year.

Ms Warner said the monthly growth was also patchy with July about even; August down by about five per cent and September up by about two per cent – highlighting the volatile nature of the economic climate and also the short-term nature of some city markets.

“Radio is a very resilient advertising medium and has performed well in times of tough economic circumstances so the industry is positive about the coming months,” Ms Warner said.

“However, the radio industry must continue to be innovative and lead the way in developing new opportunities for attracting advertising revenue. The link between radio and online continues to present significant opportunities for commercial radio stations this year as does the launch of digital radio early next year,” Ms Warner said.

2GB's Alan Jones has signed with the station for a further 5 years and will be heard on air until at least 2013. Jones will soon revert his program back to a 9.00am finish as opposed to the current 10.00am.

Austereo have partnered with Nine MSN to launch a social networking tool for Windows Live Messenger.

The tool features Heidi, a unique “Windows Live Agent', who is a young hip 19 year old blonde girl that can be added as a contact on Windows Live Messenger and answer on-line questions about the Austereo HOT 30 countdown.

It seems that the Melbourne 1611 am frequency is back on the air, well sort of. If you tune to 1611am in Melbourne you will hear Paul Kelly and Paul Kelly, with a bit of Paul Kelly thrown in - um.... more Paul Kelly and of course Paul Kelly at the top of the hour.You get the picture, they are playing a continuous loop of Paul Kelly.

Sentinel Content and Commercial Radio Australia (CRA) revealed today that they have successfully begun live demonstration broadcasts of real-time traffic information on digital radio.

Digital radio services will begin in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth in the first half of 2009. Digital radio will provide a platform for Australians to have superior sound quality, greater listening choice, as well as a new visual aspect to radio with the introduction of scrolling news, sport, traffic and weather text and the ability to transmit a picture of a radio host or band, the cover of a CD or an animated logo on screen. Additional information such as detailed traffic reports and traveller information can also be streamed as data directly to satellite navigation systems or portable navigation devices.

Sentinel, an Australian live content and service provision company, has been working closely with CRA since March this year to access and develop the first live Australian demonstration of traffic reports and other traveller information broadcast over Transport Protocol Experts Group (TPEG) Traffic using digital radio technology.

The demonstration service and technology will be on display at the National Radio Conference, at Conrad Jupiters Hotel on the Gold Coast on Friday 10th October 2008.

With the rising cost of motoring and transport services, having access to LIVE and real-time information about traffic congestion, latest petrol prices and journey planning will save Australian commuters and businesses time and money.

“We offer more than just traffic information” says Sentinel Content’s General Manager, Danny Woolard. “Through the next generation of digital radios, the information we can provide to people on the move will allow them to plan the best time to leave and what route to take to a destination, taking into account traffic incidents, road-works, travel times and road safety information.”

“You will also get real-time petrol pricing, not just where you are, but where you are going,” Mr Woolard said. “And when you get there you can get information ahead of time about how many parking spots are left in a car park as well as accommodation pricing and vacancies.”

“It is all about arriving at your destination safely, efficiently and more cost effectively”.

Chief Executive Officer of Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner, said Commercial Radio Australia has worked closely with Sentinel in the development of the demonstration of this exciting use of digital radio technology. “Digital radio will enhance the radio experience for listeners, broadcasters and advertisers. The Sentinel demonstration is just the start of broadcasters and listeners understanding the many and varied applications of this powerful and compelling technology.”Sentinel has been working with German technology partner GEWI, to deliver the technical TPEG Digital Radio standard. With their joint experience they have been extensively involved in the development of the new broadcast data service standards and deployments of traffic services. The new Australian service uses a similar technology platform which is proven and widely deployed throughout Europe.

Mr Woolard says “Europe’s success in deploying digital radio, and developing and implementing these types of valuable services means that Australians would also be able to benefit from the time, efficiency, lower cost and safety benefits that our services provide”.

Sentinel’s Road Sense® Traffic and its other live information services cover major population areas in all Australian States. The information services have been constantly improved and moved into live production systems over the past twelve months. They can be accessed through Sentinel’s demonstration web site myDrive.com.au and 197drive.com.au; a premium rate SMS text message service. The company has also recently released a GPRS-TMC server to server service which delivers traffic information direct to mobile phones and in-vehicle GPS satellite navigation devices.

Source traffic information for Road Sense® includes real-time data from Australia’s road authorities and independent sources of road incident data. Sentinel’s journalistic traffic editors and data entry staff based in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, also check and collate information for accuracy and quality as incidents occur on the road network. The information also includes planned and scheduled events that affect traffic flow.

2GB's Alan Jones's comments at the height of a controversy about a speech by a Sydney sheik about women's skimpy clothing had vilified all Australian Muslims, a tribunal has heard.

Alan Jones had referred to Lebanese Muslims as "vermin" and "a national security problem in the making" during one of his broadcasts in April 2005.[link=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/talkbackkingvilifiedmuslimstribunaltold/2008/10/06/1223145241645.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1] Full story SMH[/link]

Derryn Hinch is facing five criminal charges after allegedly breaching a court order not to name two sex offenders.

In a statement on Radio 3AW, the controversial broadcaster refused to back down from identifying the men, whose names had been suppressed by the County Court.

"I know I was morally right. Whether or not I was legally right is for the courts to decide,'' he said.

Hinch named the men during a public rally on the steps of Parliament to protest a law that extends the supervision of convicted sex offenders on their release from jail. [link=http://www.theage.com.au/national/hinch-faces-charges-over-naming-sex-offenders-20081003-4td7.html]Full article The Age[/link]

CRA: The 20th annual Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) are shaping up to be great entertainment with Australian rock bands, The Living End, Faker and The Galvatrons all performing at the event on the Gold Coast next week. This year’s ACRAs will be held at Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast on Saturday, October 11.

The Living End has had two number one albums and has also gained recent success in the United States and Europe. Faker, an alternative rock band, became a mainstream success last year with its album, “Be the Twilight”. And The Galvatrons’ single, “When We Were Kids” has also received lots of airtime on commercial radio this year.

The bands will be joined by one of the winners of this year’s New Artists 2 Radio (NA2R) initiative, and will be chosen from Boston Shaker, Ashleigh Mannix and Emma-Louise.

Chief executive officer, Commercial Radio Australia, Joan Warner said it was a very exciting entertainment line-up this year, highlighting some great Australian talent.

“It is very exciting to feature some great Australian bands at this year’s ACRAs which should set the tone for a great night,” Ms Warner said.Australian Idol co-host, Andrew G, who also hosts Australia’s biggest weekly radio countdown, “Take 40 Australia”, will MC this year’s Awards. Andrew G, began his career in radio at B105 in Brisbane and then SAFM in Adelaide, before moving to television with Channel V.A number of radio personalities will present awards, including Hamish and Andy from Fox FM, Merrick, Rosso and Kate Ritchie from Nova 969, Ian “Dicko” Dickson from Vega in Melbourne, Greg Carey from 4BC and Gold Coast radio personalities, Matty and Renee from Sea FM and Mal Lees from Hot Tomato.Nigel Lythgoe, well-known for his work in light entertainment, and judge on the American hit show, “So You Think You Can Dance”, will also present at this year’s awards along with Imran Khan, renowned Pakistani cricketer and politician.

The ACRAs, organised by Commercial Radio Australia on behalf of the radio industry, include 32 categories, which cover all areas of radio broadcasting including news, talk, sport, music and entertainment. The ACRAs differ from television’s Logie Awards, in that they are peer judged with judging panels comprised of industry members.

The ACRAs is a gala event of the radio industry’s calendar, attracting radio personalities and stars from around Australia.

Helen Razer has been sacked by 774 ABC Melbourne after three years as host of the Sunday arts program. It is understood the sacking comes just weeks after a short yet rather heated interview with British playwright Steven Berkoff in which Razer referred to him as a 'curmudgeon'.An ABC radio source has confirmed to radionews.com.au that Razer will present her final show before the end of the year.Colourful is one way to describe Helen Razer, her wiki page makes for interesting reading [link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helen_Razer]here[/link]